Very controversial statement concerning Shane Wright and Will Smith

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Elias Edmonson
June 17, 2023 (7:45 PM)

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In the past few hours, former NHL scout Grant McCagg made a somewhat controversial statement about a player targeted by Kent Hughes for the upcoming draft.

According to him, Will Smith undoubtedly has very impressive offensive skills, but the 18-year-old's work ethic leaves something to be desired without the puck and in the defensive zone. He even goes so far as to mention that there is a huge risk in drafting him in the top-5 on the upcoming June 28th.

"What worries me about Smith is that I haven't seen a single forward in the four conference finalist teams of the playoffs who plays like him. Very skilled for sure, but with little consideration at this stage for the competition away from the puck in my opinion (very average defensively and away from the puck). For me, there really is a risk in picking him in the top 5."

Grant McCagg continued his explanations by stating that he saw many similarities in Will Smith's style of play and that of Shane Wright. He believes in particular that the two forwards will have a lot of difficulties establishing themselves as real centers in the NHL.

"I had similar concerns with Wright and I'm still not convinced that either will be a center in the NHL. Maybe they can transform their games enough to adapt, but it's not easy to play a role among the top two centers in the NHL... you HAVE to work." - Grant McCagg

It's rather surprising to hear such criticisms of Will Smith, who is praised by the vast majority of scouts in the Bettman circuit. The good news is that the Canadiens already have two very good centers in Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach. If Kent Hughes ever manages to get his hands on the 18-year-old and he finally develops as a top-line winger, the repercussions won't be major for the organization.

Credit : Habs et LNH